Montana Fish Report

As of Jan. 1, 2023, the catch-and-release section on Oak Creek has been expanded to include Oak Creek from the Highway 89A bridge at Slide Rock State Park upstream to the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery property boundary including the West Fork Oak Creek. This section will be catch and release only for trout, artificial fly and lure only, barbless hooks only. Stream flow is at base flow conditions with a recent reading of 29.8 cfs, stream temperature 66.2-71.6 F, turbidity 0.7 FNU @ 10:45 a.m. on 7/14/2025. Cave Springs Campground will remain closed for repairs. Access to the Cave Spring area opened April 11 for walk-in and angling access. The Banjo Bill picnic area is closed for repairs. The busy tourist season is in full swing. To beat the crowds, try fishing early in the morning. Anglers are finding success on inline spinners and flies. Hellgrammite, Simi-seal leech, midges, elk hair caddis, hoppers, and mayfly patterns are a good bet. Anglers are catching Gila, rainbow, and brown trout. Rainbow trout will be stocked this week.